THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 23, No. 2, November 2025
Pages 56-69
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/5202.32.0240
Patriarchy and Financial Autonomy among Female Providers in the Informal Sector in Oyo State, Nigeria
Adebukola Olufunke Dagunduro
Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management,
Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria
Abstract
Despite the growing number of women who assume primary economic responsibility and household leadership roles, particularly in the informal economy, patriarchal norms continue to shape their financial choices. This study examined the intersections of gender roles and patriarchal structures influencing women’s financial autonomy in the informal sector in Oyo state. The study was anchored in Intersectionality Theory, while the explanatory sequential design was employed. The mixed methods approach was used for data collection. Stratified purposive sampling was used to select three markets in Ibadan (Agbeni, Bodija and Gbagi), while the snowball technique was used to reach interview participants. Proportionate to size sampling method was used to administer a structured questionnaire to female traders in Agbeni (289), Bodija (322) and Gbagi (292) markets. In-depth interviews were conducted with selected traders in each market. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data were content-analyzed. Findings reveal that, while financially independent women exhibited resilience and adaptability in managing household finances, they often encountered significant constraints imposed by patriarchal structures that limit their access to financial resources and credit opportunities. The study highlights the need for policy interventions that would address the systemic barriers, promoting greater financial inclusion and empowerment for women in the informal sector.
Keywords: Women’s financial autonomy, informal sector women, patriarchal norms, systemic barriers against women entrepreneurs